Fresh tremors jolt parts of panic-stricken UP, toll 14

Fresh tremors on Sunday jolted parts of panic-stricken Uttar Pradesh where the toll mounted to 14, prompting Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to announce closure of all schools for next two days as a precautionary measure. Bouts of aftershocks were felt around 12.45 pm for a few seconds in different parts of the state, but there was no immediate report of any casualty or damage to property in the latest temblor.

The break up of the toll, according to official sources, is Barabanki, Sant Kabir Nagar and Gorakhpur (three each), and Kanpur Dehat, Badaun, Kushinagar, Shravasti and Balia (one each). In Khusinagar district bordering Nepal, one person died during tremors in Nauka Chappara village on Saturday, a police spokesman said here on Sunday.

Another death was reported from Balia district where a 60-year-old woman lost her life in an incident of wall collapse. The fresh tremor forced UP Governor Ram Naik to wrap up his programme midway in Kushinagar and he was promptly evacuated by security personnel.

In state capital Lucknow, panic was palpable all over as people ran helter skelter on even a slight tremor and preferred to remain outdoors for fear of old buildings collapsing. Many spent the night in parks as a precautionary measure.

As soon as tremors were felt, people hurriedly vacated theatres and malls here and rushed to open areas. The Chief Minister announced closure of all schools and colleges for next two days amid fears of more aftershocks. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday sent relief material to Nepal and also to areas affected by earthquake in the state. A team of 26 doctors along with para-medical staff from the King George Medical University here has been rushed to the earthquake affected areas, including Nepal. The Chief Minister has announced an additional remuneration of Rs 500 to buses and ambulances involved in relief work. District Magistrate Lucknow Raj Shekhar has asked the residents of old buildings to stay away from the structures as a precautionary measure.

The Chief Minister has announced a financial assistance of Rs 7 lakh to the kin of those killed in the earthquake, Rs 50,000 to grievously injured and Rs 20,000 to those with minor injuries.

Yadav also talked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of the situation in the state, an official spokesman said.

"The Chief Minister spoke to the Prime Minister and apprised him of the measures being taken by the state government," the spokesman said.